The Process of Promoting Concentration according to the Teachings of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu)

Abstract

This article is part of the dissertation on “The process of promoting concentration according to the teachings of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu)” focusing on 3 objectives: 1) to study meditation in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the meditation according to the teachings of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu), and 3) to propose the process of promoting concentration according to the teachings of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu). It was qualitative research done by document survey and key informants collected through in-depth interviews of 4 disciples of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu) and 10 followers who have followed meditation of Phra Buddhadasabhikkhu.

The findings were that the process of meditation promoting according to the teachings of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu) refers to Ānāpānasatisamādhi or in-out breathing mindfulness, divided into 2 parts: first part dealing with direct calmful concentration referring to observing the in-out breathing with clear mindfulness or contemplating on where the wind touches only one point for trance attainment called Samatha, and second part involving with Vipassana cultivation by contemplating on the Three Characteristics; impermanence, suffering, and non-self, focusing on observing in-out breaths, which leads to cutting off the defilements end, leading to 4 paths, 4 fruits, and  Nibbana in final.